Alumni Stories

Meet a Friend of Trinity

Clarence spent many years in the millwork business. Initially, he worked for a cabinet maker, honing his skills. Though he wanted to join the Navy during World War II, he was turned away due to his bad hearing, instead spending the war making boxes. After the war, Clarence decided to start his own business. He opened Triezenberg Millwork in 1946.

Doc and Bertha were the parents of three children: Betty, Bruce (Butch), and Barbara. Devout supporters of Christian education, Doc and Bertha sent their children to Southwest Christian School and Chicago Christian High School. When the idea of a local Christian college became a topic of discussion in the community, Doc and Bertha were at the heart of the group of supporters. Along with several other key supporters, Doc helped to purchase the Navajo Hills Golf Course to be used by both Trinity and Chicago Christian.

When Clarence passed away in July of 1990, Bertha suggested that the family establish a scholarship at Trinity in his honor. Her children agreed. “He was so fond of Trinity,” says Butch Triezenberg. “We figured it’d be a good legacy for him and what he believed in.” The Clarence “Doc” Triezenberg Scholarship, which annually awards a business or accounting major with funds derived from its endowment, was started in 1991.

In December of 2009, Bertha passed away—just a month short of her 100th birthday. Upon her death, more funds were added to the scholarship endowment in accordance with her wishes, and the scholarship was renamed to honor her, as well.